If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

With an outstanding performance at training camp, Barkley beat out sophomore Aaron Corp to get the start in the Trojans' season opener against San Jose State at the Coliseum on Sept. 5. Coach Pete Carroll unexpectedly announced his decision several hours before practice and two days before USC's mock game.

"He has exceeded all our expectations," Carroll said in a statement. "He has all the physical ability. He has the mentality and temperament to handle the position. His personality is very well received by all the players, and he's extremely talented. At this point, he's ready to be the guy for us."

Barkley was perhaps the nation's most sought-after football recruit last year at Orange County's Mater Dei High School, the alma mater of fellow USC quarterback Matt Leinart. After choosing the Trojans, Barkley graduated from high school one semester early to participate in spring practice.

Corp, in his third year at USC, was named the Trojans' starter out of spring ball, but Barkley took advantage when Corp missed two weeks of workouts this month after breaking a small bone below his left knee Aug. 10.

Barkley is thought to be the first non-redshirt freshman quarterback to be picked to start a season opener for the Trojans.

"He's the starting quarterback at USC — it's not a one-game deal," Carroll said. "He seized the opportunity that was in front of him and took control. He deserves all the credit in the world, and we expect nothing but great things from him."

Barkley also beat out Mitch Mustain, the former Arkansas starter who played eight games as Mark Sanchez's backup last season. Sanchez, now the New York Jets' starting quarterback, left USC with a year of eligibility remaining, a decision that initially bothered Carroll and set off the three-way competition.

Re: USC to start first true freshman.

We'll see how this plays out of course, but I don't view this as a good thing for USC. He is going to make mistakes and against good teams like OSU, Cal and Oregon that is going to make it much harder to win. If he starts the entire season I think they probably lose 1 of those 3 and possibly 2.

Re: USC to start first true freshman.

USC is returning 10 starters on offense this year.Barkley will have far less pressure on him to win the game then Terrel Prior will.

I think the Buckeyes compete well but come up short like they did against Texas last year.I'd love to see OSU kill them to get some revenge from last year but I don't see it happening true frosh or not at QB.

Re: USC to start first true freshman.

Originally Posted by Captain Hook

USC is returning 10 starters on offense this year.Barkley will have far less pressure on him to win the game then Terrel Prior will.

I think the Buckeyes compete well but come up short like they did against Texas last year.I'd love to see OSU kill them to get some revenge from last year but I don't see it happening true frosh or not at QB.

I think the game will be close, I won't make a call one way or the other. All I know is that Mike Adams will not be playing at LT, and that could be very ugly, we shall see. I reserve the right to make real predictions, until after I see both teams play next week.

The Sox traded Bullfrog the only player they've got for Shottenhoffen. Four-eyes Shottenhoffen a utility infielder. They've got a whole team of utility infielders.

Re: USC to start first true freshman.

Originally Posted by LoganBuck

I think the game will be close, I won't make a call one way or the other. All I know is that Mike Adams will not be playing at LT, and that could be very ugly, we shall see. I reserve the right to make real predictions, until after I see both teams play next week.

I should wait also but OSU plays Navy and USC plays San Jose State.Unless there is a major injury(USC did just loose starting WR Ronald Johnson for 6-8 weeks) neither game will influence my opinion.

Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.

Thank you, and most
importantly, enjoy yourselves!

RedsZone.com is a privately owned website and is not affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds or Major League Baseball